IRIDEX's new Cyclo G6 laser system now available for treatment of patients with glaucoma

IRIDEX Corporation (Nasdaq: IRIX) announced the first commercial sales of its new Cyclo G6 laser system, designed to treat patients diagnosed with a range of glaucoma disease states. The Cyclo G6 system includes a glaucoma dedicated laser along with a family of single use probes, including the newly patented MicroPulse P3 disposable.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which carries images from the retina to the brain. In glaucoma, heightened eye pressure can lead to progressive damage of the delicate nerve fibers of the optic nerve. The Cyclo G6 offers repeatable and minimally invasive approaches to slowing the progress of the disease.

"Glaucoma is a chronic disease that requires careful management to preserve a patient's vision long term," stated glaucoma and cataract specialist Robert Noecker, MD of the Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut. "The procedure performed with the new MicroPulse P3 disposable demonstrated safety and clinical efficacy without the need for incisional surgery."

The market debut of this system was announced at the recent American Glaucoma Society (AGS) congress. IRIDEX had a particularly strong presence at the AGS meeting that included multiple scientific poster presentations regarding the safety and efficacy of the MicroPulse P3 disposable. The Company hosted daily surgical training labs, which concluded with multiple orders taken.

"At the AGS there was a poster from Mexico that presented that costs of glaucoma treatments may represent upwards of 40 percent of a patient's household income," stated Will Moore, IRIDEX President and CEO. "Cost and logistics prohibit the required care for many of these patients, leading to very low rates of compliance and the continual progression towards blindness. To address this situation, we continue to pursue clinically durable and cost effective solutions such as MicroPulse treatment, to address this large and growing patient population."

Glaucoma is the leading cause of adult irreversible blindness. It is estimated that more than 4 million people in the US and approximately 60 million worldwide are afflicted with glaucoma today.

SOURCE IRIDEX Corporation